The countdown to a united Ireland is under way, according to Stormont's Deputy First Minister in waiting, Martin McGuinness.

As Sinn Fein members took part in more than 100 Easter Rising commemorations across Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, Mr McGuinness said that 2007 had been a big year for republicans and said Sinn Fein's republicanism did not stop north of the border, with it aiming to be in government in both parts of the island.

"I truly believe that we have begun the countdown to a united Ireland... We must continue to work to bring the goals of Irish unity and independence to realisation," Mr McGuinness said.